The most direct way to determine if you have pending criminal charges is by checking public court records, as police investigations are not public until charges are formally filed.
Understanding "Pending Charges"
It's important to differentiate between a police investigation and formal charges. A police investigation may be ongoing, but this process is generally not public record and cannot be easily located by an individual. You typically won't find information about an ongoing investigation online.
However, once an investigation culminates in charges being brought or filed against you, a criminal case is initiated. At this point, the information becomes part of the public record within the court system. Therefore, "pending charges" usually refers to these formally filed cases that are awaiting resolution through the legal process.
Checking Online Court Records
The primary method for checking if a criminal case has been filed against you involves accessing public court websites.
- Identify the Correct Jurisdiction: Criminal charges are typically filed in the county where the alleged offense occurred. You will need to know the specific county to conduct your search.
- Access the County Court Website: Navigate to the official website for the county court. You can usually find this by searching online for "[Your County Name] County Court website" or "[Your County Name] Clerk of Courts."
- Locate the Case Search Feature: Most county court websites offer a public "case search," "court records search," or "online docket" portal. This feature allows the public to look up information on cases.
- Enter Your Information: In the case search, input your full name. Some systems might also allow searches by date of birth or case number if you have one.
- Review Search Results: Carefully examine the search results for any criminal cases filed under your name. Pay attention to the case type (e.g., felony, misdemeanor), filing date, and current status.
It's important to note that the availability and detail of information can vary by county and state. Some jurisdictions provide more comprehensive online access than others.
Other Potential Indicators
While checking online court records is the most proactive step, there are other ways you might become aware of pending charges:
- Official Correspondence: You might receive a summons, subpoena, or official notice in the mail from the court or law enforcement agency, directing you to appear in court.
- Contact from Law Enforcement: Police officers or investigators may attempt to contact you directly to question you, inform you of charges, or execute an arrest warrant.
- Arrest: The most definitive way to know you have charges is if you are arrested. Following an arrest, you will be informed of the charges against you.
Important Considerations
- Accuracy: Always ensure you are searching with the correct spelling of your name.
- Legal Counsel: If you discover that charges have been filed against you, it is strongly advised to consult with an attorney specializing in criminal defense. They can help you understand the charges, your rights, and the legal process.
